Ayesha Hazarika is understood to have been appointed as director of communications and deputy chief of staff in the leader of the opposition's office.

Hazarika has previously worked as a special adviser for Harriet Harman. She will stay in the new role until the Labour leadership election has taken place.

Hazarika has worked in the press office at the Ministry for Agriculture, the Home Office and 10 Downing Street. She was also chief press officer to Patricia Hewitt when the latter was trade and industry secretary from 2001 to 2005.

Hazarika has also worked as vice-president of government affairs at record company EMI. Hazarika has also built up a following as a stand-up comedian.

Following Gordon Brown's resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party on 11 May, Harman, as deputy leader of the party, automatically became the acting leader of the party as well as leader of the opposition in the House of Commons.